Comprehensive Study of Plant-Based Natural Dyes: Extraction Techniques, Characterization, and Applications Across Food, Cosmetics, and Cotton Products

This study explores the extraction, characterization, and application of plant-based natural dyes in cosmetics, food products, and textiles, emphasizing their potential as sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes.Plant sources, including Beta vulgaris, Lawsonia inermis, Punica granatum, Mentha spp., Curcuma longa, Rosa spp., Daucus carota, and Coriandrum sativum, were procured from markets in Butwal, Nepal.Natural dyes were extracted using aqueous and organic (methanol) solvents and characterized through phytochemical screening and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry.Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, quinones, coumarins, saponins, phenols, and tannins.FTIR spectra of Lawsonia inermis and Punica granatum highlighted functional groups including -OH, -CH, -CH, -CH, -CN, -CC, -C=C, and C=O, confirming the presence of diverse bioactive constituents.The extracted dyes were incorporated into cosmetic lip balms, noodles, and cotton fabrics, with and without mordants.Lip balms colored with natural dyes demonstrated stability for up to four weeks at room temperature and 4C, exhibiting consistent texture and vibrant hues.Cotton fabrics dyed with copper sulfate mordants displayed brighter and more vivid colors, whereas ferrous sulfate produced deeper, muted tones.Using mordants significantly enhanced the durability of the natural dyes on cotton compared to untreated samples.This research highlights the advantages of natural dyes, including their safety profile, reduced risks of toxicity and allergic reactions, and environmental benefits.Natural dyes are biodegradable, contributing to reduced pollution in food processing and textile industries.By promoting renewable resources and minimizing dependency on petroleum-based synthetics, these dyes offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes.